Effective countermeasures for Salmonella contamination in actual oilmeal-manufacturing plant in India

Aims: Salmonella contamination in the manufacturing process of an overseas oilmeal plant was investigated and countermeasures for Salmonella contamination were evaluated.

Methods and results: Salmonella was detected from deposits and adhered materials inside the main processing equipment. Specifically high contamination was observed in the equipment associated with the meal cooler, with several Salmonella serovars being detected. A number of Salmonella serovars were also detected in the equipment of the fine powder recovery process. To prevent Salmonella contamination of oilmeal products, effective countermeasures that have been employed in Japan were implemented. By removing residues from the equipment and disinfecting the interior of the equipment, a significant decrease in the contamination rate of oilmeal products was achieved compared to before sanitation (P < 0·05).

Conclusions: Effective countermeasures to control Salmonella contamination in the overseas manufacturing process of oilmeal were established.

Significance and impact of the study: This is the first report focusing on Salmonella countermeasures in an actual oilmeal-manufacturing plant overseas.